A report today on the Computerworld web site states that Microsoft will be making available Windows XP SP3 to most users on Thursday at 10 a.m. Pacific time through Windows Update.

Microsoft delayed the distribution of Windows XP SP3 because it found a compatibility bug between the operating system and the company’s Retail Management System point-of-sale software, but the Thursday 10 July date seems firm; it was included in the cumulative list of all updates available via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), the server-side update tool many businesses use, as well as via the client-side Windows Update (WU) and Microsoft Update Web-based services.

A Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed that July 10 is, in fact, XP SP3’s automatic update debut, but cautioned that not all users would see it immediately. “As with all service pack releases, Microsoft will carefully monitor the release to ensure that all customers have a good experience,” she said in an instant message reply to queries. “Once Windows XP SP3 is posted to AU [Automatic Updates], some users may see it right away; others may not see it for awhile.”

If you want to block the automatic deployment of Windows XP SP3 you can either modify the Windows Update settings or download and use the Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit, which provides several tools for stopping the service pack from reaching client PCs until at least April 2009.
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